As ESPN Brasil today features an interview with Manchester United midfielder Fred, one of the main subjects in the chat was the arrival of a couple of Brazilian players to the Red Devils’ squad.
Erik ten Hag’s side this summer made the signings of Casemiro, from Real Madrid, and Antony, from Ajax.
They both play with the 29-year-old in the Brazilian national team, and that’s why he can’t hide how happy he is to have their company at the club.
First quizzed about Antony, Fred highlighted the features the winger will be bringing to Old Trafford.
“Everyone knows he’s a great player,” Fred told ESPN Brasil.
“He did very well in the last few years at Ajax, so much so that he went to the Brazilian national team, it’s not easy to get to the Brazilian national team and he is present in the squad. And he’s a great player, very skilled, everyone knows that, his characteristics. He’s also incisive, very skilful towards the goal.
“I hope he can adapt here as quickly as possible and will add a lot of quality to our attack. So those of us who have been here for a little longer will help him to adapt quickly and be able to be comfortable to enter the pitch and give his best.”
Fred was also asked about Casemiro, and claimed that Manchester United had been in need of a player of his kind, adding that he’s looking forward to play in midfield with him.
“Casemiro already has more experience. He’s a great player, he’s coming from a Champions League title now. So he’s a guy that everyone knows about quality. So it will add a lot to us as the first midfielder there, that we really needed a player like Casemiro, his style of play. So there’s a lot to add to our squad, to the team, to the coach himself. I hope he can adapt as quickly as possible and help us throughout the season.”
ESPN Brasil reporter João Castelo Branco then asked Fred if he would be ready to make a midfield duo with Casemiro, just like they’re used to doing at the national team.
The player, however, makes it clear there’s competition for the position and only Ten Hag will tell the team how things will work.
“We’ve been playing together for a long time at the national team. But I don’t know, it’s difficult, it’s going to give the coach a headache here. Eriksen also arrived, there’s Bruno, McTominay, van de Beek. They are great players that we have here in midfield. So whoever he puts in will seek to do the best for the team. It will be a healthy contest, a very good contest.”
